Ever since the tragic car accident that claimed the life of his mother, Princess Diana, as she attempted to escape from the press, Harry has been engaged in an internal struggle with the media. Now, he has taken his fight to the public arena, making multiple court appearances in 2023 to address the invasion of his privacy by the press.
During these legal proceedings, Harry's solicitor emphasized that the breakup with his ex-girlfriend, Chelsy Davy, deeply affected him. The press's relentless scrutiny and intrusive behavior placed immense stress and strain on their relationship, eventually leading to their separation.
Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy's relationship spanned from 2004 to 2011. Those familiar with the royal family prior to the marriages of Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle may recall Chelsy Davy as Harry's former flame. Their on-and-off relationship lasted for seven years, beginning in 2004 when they met during Harry's conservation work in Africa (Davy is the daughter of a Zimbabwean billionaire). The couple embarked on a consistent dating journey from 2004 to 2009.
Although they took a break in 2009, they later rekindled their romance. However, this reunion was short-lived, resulting in another split in 2010. They briefly reconciled again for Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding in 2011, raising hopes for a lasting connection. Unfortunately, their relationship came to an end shortly thereafter, and they never reconciled.
In the ongoing court case against Mirror Group Newspapers, Prince Harry's solicitor, David Sherborne, shed light on the impact of the press on Harry's breakup with Chelsy Davy. Sherborne suggested that the media's actions played a significant role in their separation, rather than the natural progression of their feelings.
According to The Independent, Sherborne argued that MGN's actions created immense challenges in Harry's relationship with Davy, causing both of them to fear for their safety. Court documents submitted in the case even detailed instances where the press intruded on Harry and Davy's attempts to seek privacy while on vacation, interrupting their pursuit of peace and quiet.
These documents further highlighted the press's unlawful activities, which involved Harry's exes, including Davy, being unwillingly dragged into the chaos. The media's intrusive behavior ultimately led Davy to end her relationship with Prince Harry.
Sherborne expressed how devastating this decision was for Harry at the time, stating, "Ultimately, MGN's activities led Ms. Davy to make the decision that 'a royal life was not for her,' which was incredibly upsetting for Harry at the time."
Prince Harry's previous court documents provide additional context to the impact of media interference on his relationships. In his lawsuit against the Sun and News of the World, Harry lamented how the press had repeatedly affected his romantic involvements.
He stated in court back in April that the tabloids consistently intervened and either ruined his relationships or attempted to do so through unlawful means. This statement reinforced the notion that his breakup with Chelsy Davy was, in part, influenced by the interference of the press.
Despite the challenges faced due to media scrutiny, Prince Harry eventually found happiness with Meghan Markle. However, their relationship has also encountered its fair share of struggles concerning the press.
In 2021, Meghan received a public apology from Mail on Sunday for publishing a private letter she had written to her father. The couple's difficulties with the media, as well as internal complications within the royal family, led them to step down as working royals.
